The volcanic eruptions in the Congo are not only a threat to people, enviromentalists are worried that the two eruptions (with possibly more to come) may be the last blow to the wild population of moutain gorillas. Between refugee movement, lava flows and enviromental contamination, the mountain gorilla habitat might be damaged beyond the level needed to support the 650 or so remaining animals.

There's currently an article in the New York Times (free reg. req.) about the rainforests and national parks in eastern Congo that are being destroyed to mine for mud. Slashdot has also covered it, you might be able to find the article from the Times in the comments to avoid registration.